Julie SKINNER

Prior to joining Kelley Law’s rink (team) as a third in 1999, Julie Sutton, later Skinner, had a very successful career as the skip (captain) of her own team in British Columbia. Among her achievements from that period are victories at the Canadian Junior Championship in 1987 and 1988, the 1988 Junior World Championship, the Canadian Championship in 1989 and 1991, and a silver medal at the 1991 World Championships. She attended the 1989 World Championships with future Olympic teammate Georgina Wheatcroft, but lost in their first playoff match. She also participated in curling at the 1992 Winter Olympics, when it was a demonstration sport, and won a bronze medal alongside her sister Jodie, among others. She would have to wait until the 2001 Olympic trials to get a shot at an official medal, however, but along the way she picked up a gold medal at the 2000 World Championships with Team Law. After winning the 2001 trials, the foursome represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics and entered the playoff round with an 8-1 record. A loss to Great Britain, however, meant that they could finish no better than third, and they came home with a bronze medal at the conclusion of the tournament. She remained with Team Law until 2003, when the rink was disbanded, and retired thereafter. She was made a member of the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and worked for the British Columbia Automobile Association outside of curling.